Freebie...

Brynwood Needleworks - "Brynwood Deer" Chart

Today marks the end of my little skip down Memory Lane on Facebook, so I thought I'd share the free chart I posted over on that platform. This was a chart that I created to give to customers in my shop in 1994. I realize that the year is now 2025. 

Most stitchers can change the numbers on their own, but if this is a challenge for you, please send me a private message and I'll chart it out for you. If there are enough weekend requests, I'll post the new numbers on Monday. 

Perhaps you only want to stitch the deer and branches, I think they'd make lovely motifs on napkins, or even on a table runner.

I hope you will enjoy this little gift today. In order to download it, just click on the image and safe it to your desktop or into your download folder on your cell. From there you can print it out.

It's the start of a new month. I keep saying it, but I can't believe how quickly this year is passing. Now, it's November. I feel like it's going to be a greased slide all the way to the New Year. I've been invited back to Touchmark's Winter Craft Show in Appleton (early December), and believe it or not, I'm seriously considering participating.

Of course, the holidays are almost upon us, so I'll have sewing projects to make. I guess it's going to be like previous years. I'll be busy right through December, and I love it that way. No moss growing on this ol' stone! Don't worry, though. I'll be taking plenty of breaks, and enjoying time with family and friends along the way. What do you have planned?

2023 Word of the Year...

While I admit I'm still decluttering in keeping with my word for 2022, it's time to unveil a new word for 2023.

This year I've chosen "BUILD" as my mantra for the next twelve months. Build my business. Build my inventory. Build my website. Build my relationships. Build my health. This word represents so much positivity for me, and I know my goals are achievable.

Do you choose a word each year? Do you make resolutions? Are they achievable? Do you get pumped thinking about what you can do each day to reach your goal(s)?

My youngest sister, Jan has a group (Treasure Trove of Gratitude) on Facebook that focuses on just these things. If you're interested, you could click HERE to join in to be inspired. (Let her know you heard about her group from me, please.) I find that spending time with like-minded folks always gives me an extra boost.

Speaking of goals, I set up a plan for the next few weeks to build my inventory for the February show. I've listed the items I want to have in stock, as well as the quantities I'll need. Now I have something visible to help me track my stock.

You know where I'll be if you're looking for me. I started early, getting the trash to the curb, taking the dogs out and then feeding them. Don't even get me started about Claudette and Crystal. (Another cat showed up in the barn this week. Calgon take me away!) 

I've had my morning cuppa, so I'm off to get busy. Have a great weekend, dears. I'll be sure to update you with my progress here and in our Facebook group (Brynwood Needleworks). We have 434 members right now. I think we'll have a drawing when we reach 450 members. If you're already a member, I'd love it if you'd invite a friend or two. This year, I'll be teaching some virtual (free) classes there, as well as setting up private group (paid) classes. That's where you'll hear about those things first.

Kitchen Fun...

Brynwood Needleworks - Weekend Breadmaking at The Farmhouse

I had a fun weekend. On Saturday morning, I posted a question in my Brynwood Needleworks Facebook group, asking if there were any subjects our members would like me to use for live video sessions.

One request was for me to share some bread making tips and techniques. Well, as it happened, I had planned to make bread, so I asked Handsome for his help, and we got right after it!

I didn't share the initial measuring and mixing steps, which in retrospect I should have, but from then on, we did small videos until the bread was finished. I'm going to do the first part in another video later this week or on the weekend.

Brywood Needleworks - Five Finished Loaves

There are four separate videos showing how I handle the dough, how to set it up for proofing, separating into loaves, and then baking. The videos are far from professional, but there were a lot of comments, participants, and I think I may have even inspired a few friends to get out their supplies to try to make their own bread.

Brynwood Needleworks - Ready For Toast

 

My back is feeling much better, so I'm going to be prepping fabrics for masks today, with plans to sew again tomorrow. Spring has decided to take its time, so we'll stay warm and cozy in the farmhouse. I checked the forecast in Florida, and it looks like Bella is enjoying weather in the high 80s, while poor Tag is still running around in damp grass and 30-40º weather. Good thing he has a nice, heavy fur coat to wear outside!

 

Let me know if you have a subject you'd like me to cover in a Facebook live video. Just go over to the group and leave a comment. Needlework? Sewing? Fun in the farmhouse kitchen? I'm curious to know. I hope you've found new and creative ways to spend your days. Have a good week.

Stay Home. Stay Healthy. Stay Safe.

 

A Cute Story...

A New Sign For The Farmhouse Half Bath

 

We have a small half bath in the back entry of the farmhouse. There is no heat vent in the room, but there is an exhaust fan that dumps cold air into the space. There's a radiator in the rear hall, but a wall separates it from the bathroom, so it's cold in there.

 

Handsome and I considered a number of options, ranging from cutting a hole in the wall between the radiator and the bath (which would also let cold air in); cutting a hole in the floor (which would let the warm air from the basement radiate into the space); or adding a heat source in the room.

 

When shopping one day, I decided to look at small space heaters. I bought one that was about as big as a handbag. The instruction manual was non-existent and the darned thermostat didn't work properly. We deemed it unsafe and I took it back.

 

The second one was even smaller, and plugged directly into the wall outlet. It did an adequate job, however, we weren't confident that it was safe, so we unplugged it at night and when we went away. The room was cold by the time we would go back to it. Back to the drawing board.

The next time I shopped, I found a nice, compact electric heater. It looks like a small radiator on wheels and it's filled with oil. When plugged in, it warms the oil and heats the room. It's perfect. Even on the lowest setting, it keeps the bathroom toasty warm.

 

Signage Installed

If you were a kid in the fifties and/or sixties, you may have ice skated on a pond or a city rink when you were a kid. Handsome and I did, although we didn't grow up together.

My sister, brother and I used to walk about six blocks to a local city rink to skate on a flooded parking lot. They'd light it at night, and it was fun (but cold). They had a small shanty set up with benches and a small heater  to warm up the skaters. Handsome called their building the "warming hut" when we talked about it. In fact, he said that this little, heated bathroom now reminds him of one of those warming huts. I started thinking about that and decided to surprise him.

Alex and Our Nieces - Photography by Ashley Williams

 

My nephew has the most lovely partner named Alexandria (Alex, for short). She and Dan are the parents of two sweet two-year-old girls, plus Dan's two sons. They're loving parents to four happy kids, and I appreciate the time I can spend with them.

 

Alex has a side business making signs (in her copious free time), so I contacted her about helping me surprise Handsome. She was great to work with, and I'm tickled with the results! I installed the sign (using 3M velcro picture hangers, so there won't be any damage), and can't wait to see Handsome's reaction. (He'll see it on Monday.)

You can check out Alex's creations by visiting "Ledden the Moon Designs" on Facebook (HERE). You can message her through that page. If you're not on Facebook, I can share her email address with you. You could tell her you found out about her from me. (I don't think she'll charge you extra. giggle)

 

***Disclaimer: I am in no way compensated by Alex for mentioning her business on my blog. I'm happy to do it - just because.

ReOpened For Business...

BrynwoodNeedleworks on Etsy

I've been very busy, lifting and emptying boxes, organizing fabrics, fibers and hardware. I'm nearly there, so I decided to reopen my Brynwood Needleworks shops. I will be creating new items to stock in the coming weeks, and I'm excited to get back to playing in my studio(s).

Brynwood Needleworks on Facebook

Are you on Facebook? Are you in our Brynwood Needleworks Facebook group? Members are encouraged to share links to needlework and other handcrafted items. It's a place where we share our love of needlework, knitting, crochet, quilting and more. All you do is request to join the group and I'll happily add you to our ranks.

Brynwood Needleworks - Strawberry Rose Pincushion (or Sachet)

Monday held a particularly wonderful surprise for me. I follow "Embroiderers Guild of Victoria" on Facebook, and they have recently been sharing some of the most beautiful pincushions. I checked in on Monday, and guess what? They were featuring one of MY pincushions!! I could hardly believe it.

I thanked them for featuring my Strawberry Rose Pincushion, and got excited about making more of these in the near future. I'll also be adding some new pincushion designs in the near future. So many ideas...so little time. Please do come and join me. You'll usually get a sneak preview there, even before I get back here to tell you about them. 

 

Come on over. There are lots of talented women, eagerly waiting to share their creations with you, too! We'd like to see yours, too.

 

Facebook Friends...

Brynwood Needleworks - Donna and Judy

 

Tired, a wonky (healing scar) smile, no makeup and mussy hair. I know there are many times when you don't feel like having your photo taken, but think about this. If you forego the photo every time you don't feel you look "perfect", how will people even know you were here?

Wonky smile shared with a friend I've known for a long time on Facebook...Judy and I have our Corgis in common. Many times, as I've passed through Tennessee, Judy has asked me to take a moment to visit so we could meet in person. Saturday, I made a point for us to stop at a Waffle House (near her home) just off I-65. 

No. 1 Son and I pulled into the parking lot and headed to the door. She stood up as we entered, and her smile filled the room. I was so glad to see her, to be able to hug her in person, and to spend even a short time with her before we continued on our journey.

I know we'll do this again, but we'll plan for a larger chunk of time. She'll be welcomed at the farm (as soon as we're settled in!), and I know that Nashville holds at least one soul who knows me. 

We asked No. 1 Son to take our picture. A memory of our first "in person" visit. I love everything about it. It's who we were - how we looked - on this day that we were finally able to meet. We're no longer just Facebook friends. I think meeting in person makes it an official friendship. Don't you?

After we parted ways (around 8:30 am), Son and I turned the Explorer back onto the highway and made our way north. About twelve hours later, I pulled into the farmyard with Tag and Bella. Sunday, I walked through the house and started preparing for our belongings to arrive on Wednesday. So much to do. I want this to look like home by the time Handsome arrives in five short weeks.

A Couple More Finished...

When I finish new pincushions (or other projects), I usually post them to my Brynwood Needleworks Facebook page before I write a blog post about them. Such was the case with my latest pincushions.

"With Love" Pincushion

This one is called "With Love" and is so feminine with the soft rose colors and vintage lace. I used a vintage jewelry finding for the sparkle embellishment, and then hand stitched the ruched ribbon as my last step.

Ruching always reminds me of icing on a cake. I think it's even more apparent when I use a white or pink ribbon. This is one of my favorite things to do...simply ruche and stitch and then, do some more.

I shared this one as my last post on Saturday evening after I finished it, and it sold Sunday morning. I have more of this fabric, so I'll make another and list it up in my Etsy shop when it's ready.

Pincushion - Pure Blue

I actually finished this one first on Saturday. I used Sweetwater's "Pure" fabrics on it, along with  vintage, white lace, and blue ribbon.

I used another vintage jewelry embellishment on it. There were beautiful aurora borealis beads in it. Lots of sparkle!

This one can be found in my Etsy shop. I'll be adding more this week, so if you want to see them before they're posted here, head over to my Brynwood Needleworks Facebook page.

Handsome and I spent the day with the dogs yesterday. We had another open house, which meant "vacating the premises". Our agent said multiple couples came to look around, and that's always a good thing.

Tag will be back tomorrow. It's hard to believe it's already been a week since you last heard from him. Where is the time going?

Sixth Blog Anniversary Giveaway...

 It's time for a giveaway!!

I'm celebrating my Sixth Blog Anniversary this month and I've decided 

what I'm going to create to mark the occasion for one lucky blog friend.

Do you remember when I made my Wisconsin Memories wool book?

(You can read about it HERE if you missed that blog post.)

So, I've decided to create one special wool book for my giveaway.

It will be on the order of the one in my blog post, but it will be completely unique.

Here's what you do to enter:

1) Leave a comment here that you'd like to win the book for one chance to win. (Make sure that I am able to contact you if you win. If I can't reach you by email, I will draw another name.)

2) Head over to Facebook and request to join my Brynwood Needleworks group and then come back here and leave another comment that you've joined the group for another chance to win. (Click HERE to go to my Brynwood group page.)

It's that's easy to enter!

You must be a follower/friend in order to enter the drawing. (Perks for putting up with me!) Only comments left on this post will count toward the drawing. The contest is open to all followers. If you live outside the US and win, the wool book will be sent via the least expensive method.

The giveaway will run from today until April 14th at 11:00 pm.  I'll announce the winner on April 15th.    Good Luck!

A Facebook Giveaway...

I'm having a little giveaway on my Brynwood Needleworks Facebook page to

celebrate reaching one hundred followers there. The page is a public group, but

you need to request "membership", which (of course) I accept when I see it.

I recently won the Almondina™ Biscuits assortment giveaway, and as I'm the 

 one who eats them here, I'm happy to share some of my good fortune with you.

I made a mug mat in my favorite pumpkin fabric for this October gift. There's
even a little pocket in the green dot fabric for tucking in a little treat or a note.

  Lastly, I'm adding one of Tag's caricature pins. It's detachable, so you can even wear it if you'd like. (I know Tag would love it!) I think it's just a little fun touch.   The Brynwood group allows for all the members to share what they're working  on, and I share creative things that I find related to sewing, quilting, knitting, and everything else that's beautiful, creative and inspirational...not just my work.
If you're on Facebook and haven't joined Brynwood's group, you can still get  in on the giveaway. Just click HERE and ask to join the group. Then, leave a comment on the giveaway post (there) and I'll choose a winner on Sunday.

Tuesdays With Tag - Call My Lawyer...

 "Tag, Honey. Turn around and look at Mom so I can take your picture."

"NO!"

"Why not?" (giggle)

"It's NOT funny, Mom!!"

"What's not funny?" (still giggling)

 "You're a real laugh-a-minute, Mom. You and Dad. REEAL funny!"

"Why, Tag. Whatever do you mean?" (chuckling now)

 "A guy tries to mooch a little people breakfast and what do you do?

Slap a stupid sticker on my face and expect me to pose for dumb pictures."

"I need to contact my Facebook friend, JJ Pumpernickle Adams and start some

sort o' action here. I'm not gonna stand for this indignity, you know. I'd rather

 think up my own silly stuff and we can all laugh. This isn't my idea of fun."

"I'm sorry, Tag. (laughing out loud now) I'll take off the sticker and we won't

ever, ever, ever do it again. We'll do our best to make you a dignified dog."

"Yuh, huh. I bet. Right up until you find another goofy hat, sticker or article of

 clothin' to slap on my sleek, handsome self. I'm not buyin' it for one minute. Hey!

What does it mean if your fingers are crossed behind your back? Ya got a treat?"

"Uhhhhh, nevermind, Little Man. I'll just put the camera away for this week."

"I've had enough for this week. I'm sure y'all are laughin', but I'm gonna go 

call JJ (he's a husky who is the self-appointed, highly respected lawyer for all

us dogs on Facebook. He's gonna be all over this case and heads are gonna roll!).

I know it's gonna cost Mom and Dad lots of treats, a bunch of car rides and

probably multiple trips to PetSupermarket with ME in the cart! I'll let you know

how the final settlement works out. 'til then..."

"More Waggin' and Less Barkin'!" 

(For now)

I Don't Know What I Was Thinking...

"King of Richmond Park" - Daily Mail UK.com

 Well, I have to say that this year started off with a real...bang.

I don't know what I was thinking. Really.

I was grazing around on Facebook on New Year's Eve,  when a blog friend

  "posted" that she'd just won two FREE airline tickets on SW Airlines, and the

 link appeared. (I already know what you're all thinking. Don't say it, please.)

The only reason I even considered it is because Handsome and I are

planning another trip north in the near future and FREE sounded good.

I clicked on the link. Shared my name and cell number and then typed in

the "code" that arrived within seconds on my cell phone. Next thing I know,

the app does a little post of its own...to ALL my FB friends, saying that

I just got two free tickets! (Forget that it started to smell funny before I

completed the process and I closed the app sans tickets.) As soon as I saw

that, I went into the app files on FB and removed the offender...too late.

Oh, yeah! "King of Richmond Park" - Daily Mail UK.com

 Before I could warn all my friends, I got a pop-up that said my "session

had timed out" and I needed to sign back in to Facebook. You guessed it.

"You've been locked out of your account because your browser has been

infected by malware." Then, it directed me to go through a process to 

unlock my account, which I followed to. the. letter. AARROOOOOOOO!

It. didn't. work.

(Take a moment to insert all your favorite naughty words here. I did!)

And, to top it off...other things are acting funny on my MacBook Pro now.

It's a good thing I have my iMac desktop to write this or you'd all be sending

out the bloodhounds to find out what happened to me overnight!

I just know that my blog friend is going through the same thing I am right now.

(Wish I could send her a hug, because I know just how pissed peeved 

vexed frustrated hot homicidal cheesed she must be now, too!)

 

I'll be making a telephone call to the Apple store in Naples this morning.

I need to go find a "genius" to help me untangle the mess I've managed to

get my New Year's self into...and perhaps he or she can give me the little

reminder kick in the pants to never open an ad link...on FB or anywhere else.

There really is no such thing as FREE.

I'm sure that "genius" isn't going to come free, and neither will the "fix".

Happy New Year To Me.